FAMILY COLYMBID^E 



An inhabitant of forest streams and shaded 

 swamps, apparently not at all common in the 

 Canal Zone. It occurs on Gatun Lake and its 

 larger tributaries. "A very shy bird. Its call 

 a peculiar 'bark' of one to three notes" (Jewel). 

 "When disturbed, they swim at once for cover, 

 to reach which they are sometimes obliged to 

 cross the river, and will fly if hard pressed or if 

 the distance is considerable. ... A bird will 

 often sink below the surface leaving only the 

 head exposed, but as it always faces the object 

 in pursuit, its white breast is readily seen, even 

 under water. . . . My observations are to the 

 effect that it only dives as a last resort." (Rich- 

 mond) . 



7. Family COLYMBID^ 

 The Grebes 



A small family of swimming birds of small 

 or medium size, having the feet adapted for 

 swimming by means of lobate projections 

 along the side of the toes which are connected 

 by continuous webs, only near their bases. 

 The bill varies from long and slender to rather 

 short and stout, and is not broadened as in 

 the ducks; the wings are rather short, the 

 tail rudimentary and the plumage very 

 compact. 



The grebes are among the most expert 

 swimmers and divers; they spend most of 

 their time on or under the water, and though 

 able to fly well, almost invariably attempt to 

 escape from their enemies by diving, being 

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